"Yes, of course; she will not think of it after to-day; nor must you, Lady Mason."
"Oh, no; except that I would not for the world be the cause of annoyance to my friends. Sometimes I am almost inclined to think that I will never trouble any one again with my sorrows, but let things come and go as they may. Were it not for poor Lucius I should do so."
Mr. Furnival, looking into her face, perceived that her eyes were full of tears. There could be no doubt as to their reality. Her eyes were full of genuine tears, brimming over and running down; and the lawyer's heart was melted. "I do not know why you should say so," he said. "I do not think your friends begrudge any little trouble they may take for you. I am sure at least that I may so say for myself."
"You are too kind to me; but I do not on that account the less know how much it is I ask of you."
"'The labour we delight in physics pain,'" said Mr. Furnival gallantly. "But, to tell the truth, Lady Mason, I cannot understand why you should be so much out of heart. I remember well how brave and constant you were twenty years ago, when there really was cause for trembling."
"Ah, I was younger then."
"So the almanac tells us; but if the almanac did not tell us I should never know. We are all older, of course. Twenty years does not go by without leaving its marks, as I can feel myself."
"Men do not grow old as women do, who live alone and gather rust as they feed on their own thoughts."
"I know no one whom time has touched so lightly as yourself, Lady Mason; but if I may speak to you as a friend—"
"If you may not, Mr. Furnival, who may?"